The Thirteenth Notch | The Lone Ranger (10-21-40)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "The Thirteenth Notch"

The Lone Ranger – Originally aired 10/21/1940

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: September 27, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revives the classic Lone Ranger drama "The Thirteenth Notch," digitally enhanced for modern listeners. The story centers around Jim Kilray, a notorious "gunman" with a dozen notches in his weapon—each thought to signify a deadly encounter—who finds himself accused of murdering the infamous villain Poison Pete. A mysterious thirteenth notch appears on his gun just as Poison Pete is gunned down, and all evidence seems to point to Kilray. The Lone Ranger and Tonto take it upon themselves to uncover the truth and bring the real killer to justice, proving the power of courage, friendship, and true justice in the Old West.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Scene is Set in Red Rock (03:31-05:14)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto follow signs of a violent confrontation involving three riders, identifying evidence that one man was wounded or killed and later carried.
• Lone Ranger suspects their friend, Jim Kilray, might be implicated in the crime, highlighting his history and troubled temper.

Community Tension & The Murder Investigation (05:14-08:30)

• Sheriff and townsfolk discover Poison Pete dead and immediately discuss possible motives among several characters—including Sam Sutton, Bart Hemingway, and Jeremy Tubbs—but suspicion rapidly focuses on Jim Kilray due to his gun's notches and temper.

  • Notable quote:
    “Instead of hunting the killer to hang him, you should hunt the killer to give him a medal. If ever a man needed killing, Poison Pete did.”
    -Sam Sutton [06:43]

• Deputy Slade and others remember Kilray’s heated argument with Poison Pete days before, further strengthening the case against him.

The Thirteenth Notch Mystery (08:30-09:14)

• Jim Kilray discovers an unexplained thirteenth notch on his gun, prompting worry and confusion.

  • Notable quote:
    “I cut 12 notches in here. I know there was only 12. Now there’s 13.”
    -Jim Kilray [09:03]

• Reveals to Mrs. Sprout: Kilray admits that the notches are mostly a bluff, meant to deter trouble—a clever subversion of Western stereotypes.

Arrest & Trial (10:21-14:48)

• Sheriff and deputies arrest Kilray. Mrs. Sprout tries to defend him, but circumstantial evidence—his argument with Poison Pete, proximity to the scene, and his notorious notches—leads to a quick conviction.

  • Notable quote:
    “If you never killed anyone, you’re still lying by the notches on your gun. I’m arresting you for murder.”
    -Sheriff [11:51]

• Courtroom drama: The jury convicts Kilray based on shaky evidence.

  • Notable quote:
    “You stand convicted of murder...to be hanged by the neck until you are dead. And may God have mercy on your soul.”
    -Judge [14:33]

• Kilray spots the Lone Ranger in the crowd and regains hope, convinced someone will pursue real justice:
  “He was here and he knows. I’m not worried now.”
  -Jim Kilray [15:18]

Breaking Kilray Out: The Lone Ranger’s Plan (15:24-20:10)

• Lone Ranger and Tonto orchestrate a jailbreak, incapacitating the guards and sneaking Kilray out.

  • Notable quote:
    “There’ll be a horse saddled and waiting outside for you...you’re not guilty, so I knew you’d come running.”
    -Lone Ranger & Jim Kilray [19:00-19:18]

• Lone Ranger enlists Judge Blake’s help, revealing the notches were for show and building trust for the next critical steps of the investigation.

Setting the Trap: Tracking the Real Killer (20:10-25:45)

• Lone Ranger sends notes to all townsfolk who had motives, telling each to meet at a critical location.
• Tonto and Kilray head out to a cave—the true crime scene—followed by the Sheriff and Deputy Slade, who received one of the notes.

Showdown and Resolution (25:45-29:44)

• Sheriff and Slade confront Tonto and Kilray, threatening violence to extract the Lone Ranger’s whereabouts.

• Lone Ranger intervenes, disarms the lawmen, and accuses them of being the real murderers.

  • Notable quote:
    “The fact that you two came here is proof that you’re the murderers. Your note said that Kilray would head for the scene of the murder because he knew there’d be a clue there. No one but the killers could have known the true scene of the murder. All the others who received a note went to the arroyo at Red Rock. You alone came here.”
    -Lone Ranger [26:37]

• Sheriff admits his guilt, revealing that Poison Pete was blackmailing him.

  • Notable admission:
    “Sure I did. He knew I was wanted in Kansas. He’d been making me pay him cash to keep his mouth shut.”
    -Sheriff [27:06]

• Judge Blake and witnesses arrive to hear the confession. The Sheriff and Deputy are apprehended.

• Jim Kilray’s innocence is finally proven as the Lone Ranger prepares to ride onward.

  • Iconic sign-off:
    “That man’s no stranger. No, boys, that’s the Lone Ranger.”
    -Judge Blake & Townsfolk [28:08]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I never killed a man in all my life.”
  -Jim Kilray [09:18]

• “I said, you see, if men think I’m a dangerous critter awry, they leave me alone.”
  -Jim Kilray [10:07]

• “You was ready to let me hang for a murder you’ve done. Now, look out.”
  -Lone Ranger [27:15]

• “You’re the man to hang. Get guns on him, boys. We’ll take over now, stranger.”
  -Judge Blake [28:00]

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Key Timestamps

• 03:50 – Lone Ranger reconstructs the scene and the clues with Tonto
• 05:14 – Sheriff builds the initial case for murder against Kilray
• 09:14 – Kilray reveals the truth about the notches to Mrs. Sprout
• 11:51 – Sheriff arrests Kilray
• 14:33 – Judge sentences Kilray to be hanged
• 19:00 – Lone Ranger breaks Kilray out of jail
• 21:12 – Lone Ranger meets with Judge Blake to reveal his plan
• 25:03 – Cave confrontation and revelation of the true killers
• 27:06 – Sheriff confesses to murder and blackmail
• 28:08 – Judge Blake exposes the real killer and confirms the Lone Ranger’s identity

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Tone & Style

The episode combines the brooding tension of a Western murder mystery with the grand themes of redemption and justice, featuring colorful Old West dialogue and a strong sense of camaraderie, honor, and suspense. The Lone Ranger is portrayed as righteous, clever, and compassionate, while Kilray is depicted as a misunderstood but fundamentally decent man. The show’s classic tropes—masked heroics, innocent men wrongly accused, and a dramatic reveal—are delivered with energetic performances and sharp, period-appropriate language.

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For those who haven’t listened, this episode is a classic Western whodunit, delivering all the sound and fury you’d expect from the golden age of radio, now presented in crystal-clear modern audio. Justice is served, but not before a wild ride through suspicion, betrayal, and old-fashioned detective work in the untamed frontier.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

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[Sheriff]

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[Sheriff]

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[Narrator/Host]

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[Sheriff]

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[Narrator/Host]

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[Sheriff]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O.

[Sheriff]

Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger with his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains, fought crime and criminals throughout the early western United States. No matter what the odds against him, his strength and courage were equal to any emergency. And it was he, more than any other man who brought law and order to a lawless frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Red Rock. There's going to be trouble. Hail Kilburn away.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger in Tonto rode slowly along the trail in the direction of Red Rock. They were following the hoof prints of three horses. Faint marks in the dust that told a story of violence and death to the masked man and his companion. We saw where the two riders were joined by a third hunter. Then there were signs of a struggle. That's right. Then we find where Feller gets shot. And we know that from that time on, one of the three horses was being led pale. One horse not steady. There was no one riding the horse. One horse carried double load. Hoop mark deeper than afar. Seems then that one of the men was shot. Neither killed or wounded. He's being carried by one of the other two. Ah, I wonder if. Look ahead, Tada. See there, hunter. See plenty color. A lot of men around that arroyo. I wonder, Tanta, how long ago do you think the shooting took place? Maybe sometime last night. Not later than last night. No, Look, Tanto, lie right up to that group of men. They're going to ask a lot of questions about my mask. You ride ahead. Learn what you can. I wonder if Jim Kilray has betrayed the trust we placed in him. I hope he isn't mixed up in a murder. Him promise goes straight now. He has a quick temper. That temper might make him forget his promises. I hope not. Right ahead, Kimasabe. I'll meet you in the Goat Creek camp tonight.

[Sheriff]

Get him on, Scout. Ain't no question about it. He's dead. Dead as a man can be.

[Lone Ranger]

Dead as a doornail.

[Sheriff]

Real clean through the head. Wonder who done it. Hi, Sheriff. What's your opinion on this year shooting? Boys, I've been studying the situation here. We know this critter that shot. His name's Pete Hawks. Better known as Poison Pete. That's who it is. All right, enough. Poison Pete. I can think of a plenty of reasons for wanting to kill Poison Pete. He had it coming to him. I know at least four men that's got a plenty of reason for killing him. At least four. Now, Sam Sutton here. You had a reason for killing him, Sam. Now, Sheriff, you can't say I done it. I ain't said you done it. I said you had a reason. He poisoned a lot of your cattle, didn't he? Sure he did. But there ain't no reason Bart Hemingway might have done this murder known as he did. That Poisoned Pete was out to get him. I can prove I didn't do a. Sheriff, if he was killed last night. I was at the cafe all evening. Bard, how'd you know that he was killed last evening, huh? I'll follow that point up later on. Jeremy Tubbs and Poison Pete have been feudin for a long time. Tubbs might have done this. Now look, Sheriff. Instead of hunting the killer to hang him, you should hunt the killer to give him a medal. If ever a man needed killing, Poison Pete did. You're right in what you say, Sam. But there's law and order in this town and I gotta see that the laws are carried out. I gotta find the man that done this and hang him for it. Listen, he can show he done it in self defense. You can't hold me for it. Ain't holding no one yet. Me and Kit Jones have been together since yesterday morning. Kit'll tell you I didn't do it, Sheriff. Y' all know I ain't been nowheres near here. I didn't kill him. Quiet down, both of ya. I got a pretty good notion as to who done this. There's a certain critter in town, that is. Bragging all the time about his handling the six guns. He don't have much to say about what he was afore he come here. And he's got a mighty hot temper. You mean Jim Kilray? Anyone seen Kilray around here? I counted an even dozen notches on Jim Kilray's gun. Where's Deputy Slade? Right here, Sheriff. Slade, you knew kilray's gun had 12 notches? Yeah, but Kilray won't say much about them notches. Those gun notches prove that he's a plenty dangerous. We all seen his temper flare up a week ago when Poison Pete tried to swindle him at cards. You was there, slave. If I hadn't interfered, there'd been gunplay right there in the cafe. Yeah. Come to think of it, Sheriff, Jim Kilray was riding this way last night. Was, huh? Yep. I reckon that just about pins a murder on him. I'll bet two agin one Kilray done it. Let's locate Kilray. Ain't he living at the Sprout house?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

Let's go and see if he's there now. Come on. Come on. You and Gary stay here on guard while I send a buckboard to the remains. Slade, you come with me. Right. We'll see what Kilray's got to say for himself. Good. Steady, Bull. We'll all go. He'll raise Evan all right. This is his 13th notch. If this is the 13th notch, it'll hang him. Come on, boy, get up. Come on. Come.

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Kilray was cleaning his gun in the living room of Widow Sprout's boarding house. Just as he finished, he made a surprising discovery. There were too many notches. He counted and recounted them and finally called Mrs. Sprout.

[Sheriff]

Don't savvy it at all, Mrs. Sprout. I counted a dozen times, and it always comes out the same.

[Mrs. Sprout]

12. 13. 13's right, Jimmy.

[Sheriff]

But there was only 12 notches in that gun. Where'd that 13th notch come from?

[Mrs. Sprout]

For my sakes, a lot, Jim. I don't know. Put that shooting on. The way them things make me fidgety.

[Sheriff]

I cut 12 notches in here. I know there was only 12. Now there's 13.

[Mrs. Sprout]

Well, what's a notch, more or less? Don't sit there puzzling and worrying about it, Jimmy. One more notch ain't gonna hurt the gun.

[Sheriff]

Well, I don't savvy.

[Mrs. Sprout]

I never could seem to believe that you really killed 12 men.

[Sheriff]

Shucks, Mrs. Brown, I never killed a man in all my life. No, no. Look, I can trust you, can I?

[Mrs. Sprout]

Well, I should hope you could.

[Sheriff]

Look, before I come here, I did shoot a man. But I was so hot headed and crazy mad I didn't know what I was doing. The minute I felt the gun jump, I know I'd made a mistake. I was sorry for shooting.

[Mrs. Sprout]

But he didn't die.

[Sheriff]

No, there was. There was an Indian that fixed him up. This Indian made him well again, and I was mighty glad. First he was a friend of a man they called the Lone Ranger.

[Mrs. Sprout]

The Lone Ranger. Sakes alive, I've heard of him.

[Sheriff]

I reckon everyone has. Anyhow, the Lone Ranger. Tonneau gave me a chance to start fresh. I cut the notches in my sixth gun and I talk plenty about how dangerous I am.

[Lone Ranger]

I said, you see, if men think.

[Sheriff]

I'm a dangerous critter awry, they leave me alone.

[Mrs. Sprout]

Now, that's right smart. Well, I'm some relieved to know that you ain't really a killer 12 times over. But I have suspected them notches was nothing but decorations.

[Sheriff]

Sounds like company coming.

[Mrs. Sprout]

It does, sir. What? What's the shoe? Yeah, and lots of others. They've laid the deputy and Sam. Looks like there's trouble coming.

[Sheriff]

Howdy, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Sprout]

My goodness.

[Sheriff]

Yes, but you look grim.

[Mrs. Sprout]

I hope there's nothing serious gone wrong.

[Sheriff]

Maybe so, maybe not. Ma', am, we come to have a few words with your boarder, Jimmy Kilray. Me cleaning your gun. Take that gun, Slade. I wasn't cleaning it. I'll. I'll take that.

[Mrs. Sprout]

My sakes. What's the trouble, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Clean as a whistle. Sheriff, did you clean the gun after you shot poisoned Pete? No. I mean, I didn't shoot him. Is he dead? I'll ask the questions, Mrs. Sprout. Did you hear Jim come in last night?

[Mrs. Sprout]

Sure. It was right after midnight. I could see the clock by the moonlight.

[Sheriff]

Sure. There's a new notch cut in this gun. The 13th notch. By golly, there's proof he done it. Look here, I want to know what this is all about. Did you pass Red Rock near to midnight last night or didn't you? I did. Where was you before that? Just went riding on the planes.

[Lone Ranger]

I like moonlight riding.

[Sheriff]

That's a pretty thin excuse. Riding in the moonlight. Likely story. Out shooting Pete is a true story. That's not true. I never had. You had a row with him, didn't you? Not last night I didn't. But you had an argument, didn't you? Yes, there was a lot of people in the cafe that know that. So you kept the grudge ever since. And last night you went to meet him near Red Rock and you grilled him. That's not so. I never in my life threw a gun on him. Yeah, you'd naturally deny it.

[Mrs. Sprout]

Sheriff, I know for a fact that Jim never killed anyone. Did you, Jim?

[Lone Ranger]

No, I didn't.

[Sheriff]

If you never killed anyone, you're still lying by the notches on your gun. I'm arresting you for murder. Anything you say can be used in court against you. Come along with us, Kilray. You end your day in court. But I didn't do it. I didn't even know till you came here that Poison Feet was dead Here.

[Mrs. Sprout]

Please listen to me. You made the killer breathe.

[Sheriff]

I'm sorry. With a sprout. But the fact stands and the facts all point to him. He'll get a fair and square trial. And he's lucky it was Pete. Not a man that was well liked. Or he might be the guest of honor at a necktie party. He's Gilly, all right. Half. He's killed 12 others. He wouldn't stop there. 13 ain't no worse than 12. You take the gun, Slade. That's evident. I got it. Come on, Kilray. I won't. I'm dog gone if I'll go on rotten tail for something I never did. Get going. I don't know how that 13th knot's come to me on my gun. I was asking the widow Sprout about it when all of you come in. Get going. You moving or do you want to be dragged? Come on, Kilray. There's no use fighting the law. I'm innocent. You railroad me to the hangman's rope, but I didn't do it. Hey, who's your redskin there? That Indian.

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Kilray's trial was held the next day. The evidence in the case, all circumstantial, was presented in less than an hour. The jury retired to consider its verdict. The Lone Ranger in Tonto waited outside of the courthouse near an open window in. Jury is still considering the decision. Tanto, what you think? It looks bad for Jim the way the evidence was piled up against him. It proved that Jim was near the scene of the murder. He was seen there and he admitted being there. But we happen to know that the killing was not done where the body was found. We followed that trail. Not right. Poison Pete was killed miles away and carried to that arroyo at Red Rock. Why you not tell Judge? It would do no good Tata. No one would believe what we could tell. Besides, as long as Jim Kilray is the one that's suspected the real killer will be off his guard. We want to find the real killer. He should hang. Not so much for killing a man like Pete as for trying to frame a man like Jim Kilray. Look in there. The jury's coming back.

[Sheriff]

Hear ye, hear ye. The district court of the United States of America is now in session on the case of the people versus James Kilray. Gentlemen of the jury, have you arrived.

[Lone Ranger]

At a verdict here?

[Sheriff]

We have. Have you appointed one of your number.

[Lone Ranger]

To read that verdict?

[Sheriff]

We have.

[Lone Ranger]

Let him stand and read his decision.

[Sheriff]

We find the defendant James Kilray. Juliet. Charge. I didn't do it. I tell you. It's a freemium. There's a dozen men with as much reason to kill him as I have. Quiet.

[Lone Ranger]

Gilray. Stand and face the court. You stand convicted of murder. I therefore sentence you to be held.

[Sheriff]

In jail until the morning of the.

[Lone Ranger]

10Th of this month and then between the hours of sunrise and noon to be taken from that jail and hanged by the neck until you are dead. And may God have mercy on your soul.

[Sheriff]

It was Gilly. It wouldn't be so hard. Come on, Kilray. All of you stay sittin till the prisoner's been taken out. That voice. That shout. What the. He's here. He knows. He'll know I ain't guilty. What's the matter with you? Have you gone loco? No, I ain't loco. Come on, take me to your jail. I'm not worried now. He was here and he knows. What's that? Do you see that? There's justice done. Who are you talking about? The Lone Rangers.

[Lone Ranger]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments now to continue our story. While Jim Kilray awaited the morning of the 10th, the date set for his execution, the Lone Ranger and Tonto obtained as much information as they could in town on the night before the hanging. They prepared to act and the only way is to get him out of jail. Center. There are plenty guard and jail. There are two men at his door inside the jail. You'll have to watch and make sure that no more men show up while I take care of those two guards. Tanta. Do it, you silver. And after we get Punter out. What we do? As soon as he's out of that jail. Tanto, I'm going to send some notes to a few men in town we have the names of at least five men who might have wanted Pete out of their way. Isn't that right? Ready, Kimosabe Hunter? Ready. We'll bring Jim back here and hide him until it's time for him to show himself. Have the notes all written and ready to deliver. When you send note. When we have Jim Kilray hidden. We go now. Come on. The guards inside the jail close to the door of Jim's cell. Passing the time with a checkerboard. Let's see.

[Sheriff]

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Now, let me think. Now, wait. What? Doggone you go on dead Ratchet. Make a move and you're a goner. This makes three times you skin me. Say, whoever told you you was a taker, Player? Willis. I guess I'm off my game tonight.

[Lone Ranger]

Better put the game away.

[Sheriff]

I had plenty.

[Lone Ranger]

Ah, let's play another.

[Sheriff]

Ain't nothing else to do. It's tiresome sitting up with a prisoner all night.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll sure be glad when a hanging's.

[Sheriff]

Over and done with. Me too. Maybe we better take a look and be sure Jim Kilray's all right. I reckon so. Sheriff'd be right mad if he was to get loose.

[Lone Ranger]

Put your hands up and keep them.

[Sheriff]

There he is, by the window. A masked man. That boy. I know you, stranger. You did come back. I knew you would. What's this mean? You won't get away with this, stranger. We'll get you, Eddie. Save your breath. Both of you.

[Lone Ranger]

Back up to the door of the cell.

[Sheriff]

I am dog. Stop it. Careful, strangers. And back up. We're back in wisdom. Is the key to your door.

[Lone Ranger]

Do you know Jim?

[Sheriff]

The short one? Can you reach through the bars and get them from his pocket? Sure thing. Get back there close to the door.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep your hand tied.

[Sheriff]

There'll be a fire Captain. Jim. I got the key.

[Lone Ranger]

Let yourself out. There's a horse saddle and waiting outside for you.

[Sheriff]

Right. You'll pay for helping a killer get. That's it. Jim Thomas outside.

[Lone Ranger]

He's to show you where you're to go.

[Sheriff]

I knew I wasn't guilty, mister. So I knew you'd come running away. We'll help you out. Kill Ray. You'll be fetched back. This'll be one sunrise. I won't hang anyhow. We'll get you. You'll see if we don't. Now I'm free. Hurry, then. Outside power, Tanto. But what about you? Never mind me. Just get away. You'll be brought back, Hillary. I'll take that chance. You come Now, Tonto, that's a redskin. He's mixed in this. We'll get him too. Before I leave you, I want to give you a note, Sam. Huh? Me a note? There you are. On the floor. There.

[Lone Ranger]

You better read it when you're alone.

[Sheriff]

Oh? What is it? You'll know when you've read it.

[Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger headed for the home of the judge. Once inside, he gave him his confidence and asked for his help. You're a strange man. I never would have believed that you would convince me that I should listen to you. You're the man I had to see, Judge Blake. I had to have someone who could be trusted. You were outside the courthouse during the trial, weren't you? I was. I thought I recognized your voice. Now you tell me that all the Nazis in Kilray's gun were there for bluff. That's the truth, Judge Blake. You believe me? You're convincing, I'll say that much. I've trusted you and told you part of the plan I want to try. I give you my word that if it fails, I'll return the prisoner to custody rather high handed. Taking him out as you did. There was no other way, Judge. Where is he now? This time he's at my camp with Tada Tonto. An Indian? Yes. A member of what tribe? Don't you know that? I wish you'd tell me. Is he Potawatomie? He originally came from those people.

[Sheriff]

I wonder masked. You call your horse Silver?

[Lone Ranger]

My horse is called Silver. Show me one thing. What is that, Judge Blake? Let me see one of the bullets from your gun. Gladly. You are Silver? Yes. I understand. You may replace the bullet. And you may count on my full cooperation. Thank you, sir. Now, as to the men you suspect, There are several who might have had a reason to kill Poison Pete. There may be others. If so, my plans will fail. But I've tried to consider all of them.

[Sheriff]

What do you want me to do?

[Lone Ranger]

I want you to name every man you can think of who might have had a reason to kill Poison Pete. Is that all? I'll want more help from you at daybreak. You may count on it. Lone Ranger. Daybreak found Toto and Jim Kilray riding across the open country far from town. Then guess where we're going anyhow, Tono, you find out plenty soon. Lone Ranger make plans.

[Sheriff]

But I thought the camp where we spent the night was the safest kind of hiding place.

[Lone Ranger]

Why we leaving there first? Maybe we'd find Killer.

[Sheriff]

But he wouldn't be this far away from town. Would he?

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe.

[Sheriff]

Hey, you got a cave over yonder, huh? Is that what we're heading for?

[Lone Ranger]

That's right. What's in the cave? May not know yet. Find out plenty soon.

[Sheriff]

Did you note the trail along here? Uh huh. There's been a couple of horses here not long ago. I can see the hoof brings.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right. Where's the Lone Ranger? Is he over there waiting for us? Maybe one of them horses is his. Maybe we find out. Tonneau by Jim Lee.

[Sheriff]

If I ever get out of this trouble, I'll give my life to you and your friend. Anytime you want.

[Lone Ranger]

You not killer. That's why we help.

[Sheriff]

I ain't the killer. But there ain't another soul in the world do as much as you've done. Even Mrs. Sprout is half convinced that I killed Poison Pete.

[Lone Ranger]

Plenty other feller not like Poison Pete.

[Sheriff]

Nobody like him.

[Lone Ranger]

The dirty rat robbed and stole and cheated and everything else. The whole country's better off for his being dead.

[Sheriff]

But I didn't kill him.

[Lone Ranger]

Here, cave.

[Sheriff]

We stop here. Yeah. There's a couple of horses grazing on me. We got you. Keep your hands high. Yeah. You two redskin, hoist your hand. Slade the deputy. Well now, ain't this downright lucky to run right smack into you out here, Curt. Maybe you'll get to hang before noon after all. That's the redskin that helped you bust out in the jail, huh? We'll hang him too. Where's the masked man? I don't know. Come on, speak up. Where's he at? He ain't far from you. We know that much to be a fact. If you don't talk, we'd like you to drill you right here. And any story we tell about you having to be shot trying to escape will be right convincing. I don't know why the masked man is. Don't lie. I ain't lying. I don't know. Hillary, you better tell where he is. Because if we have to drill you here and now, it'll be done in such a way you die slow and mighty painful.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll not shoot him.

[Sheriff]

You don't have anything to say, redskin. Whatever Kilray gets, you get. Well. Now look here, Sheriff. You got me, all right. And I'll go back with you peaceful on one condition. You let the redskin go. He ain't done nothing. You let him go and I'll go back to jail with you. He goes back too. You ain't in no position to be making a deal. Hold on, Sheriff. Maybe if Kilray tells where the masked.

[Lone Ranger]

Man'S at, we can let the redskin go.

[Sheriff]

I don't know where he is.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not far from there, friend.

[Sheriff]

Hey, mister. What the. Drop your gun. I'll get in. Look out. Oh, he shot me. My hand feels busted. Your hand isn't touched.

[Lone Ranger]

I just shot your gun away.

[Sheriff]

Slate. Now get your ferret. It was hid around the side of the cave all the time.

[Lone Ranger]

You're quite right, Sheriff. I've been waiting hours for Jim and Tono to arrive here.

[Sheriff]

What are you doing here, mister? Why'd you have Tano bring me here? Now you've got your own neck and a noose. These llama won't rest till they get you.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, they will, Jim. You see, I came here to get them, Sheriff, when Poison Pete was killed. This is where the murder took place.

[Sheriff]

Absolutely.

[Lone Ranger]

It was here that he was killed. Less than 50 yards from the mouth of the cave. Two men rode here and met him. They killed him. Then they carried his body and one of their horses to the place where you saw him the next day, near Red Rock.

[Sheriff]

How'd you make that out?

[Lone Ranger]

We found the tracks and followed the back trail. Tell me, Sheriff, what brought you here this morning? Come answer my question.

[Sheriff]

I got a note. It said Jim Kilray'd be here. Me and Slade come and met him. Now pull up that gun and let us take the prisoner in and we'll forget your part in this.

[Lone Ranger]

So you've got a note, huh?

[Sheriff]

Who is it from? I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

There were a number of men who wanted Pete killed. Each of the men who wanted him dead was sent the same kind of a note that you received. And every one of those men had the opportunity to get Jim Kilray's gun and cut an extra notch in it. You, Sheriff, had the chance. When you examined the gun in town before the killing, Sheriff, you knew. Now, you knew Jim often went riding alone at night, that he'd probably be riding past Red Rock. He knew just where to put the dead man. The fact that you two came here is proof that you're the murderers. Your note said that Kilray would head for the scene of the murder because he knew there'd be a clue there. No one but the killers could have known the true scene of the murder. All the others who received a note went to the arroyo at Red Rock. You alone came here.

[Sheriff]

All right, now listen to me. You got the drop on us.

[Lone Ranger]

I have.

[Sheriff]

There ain't no one but us here that knows the true facts. Jim Kilray can escape and go free. What's it worth to you and him?

[Lone Ranger]

You have cash? Enough to buy your security?

[Sheriff]

Got some cash, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

You must have had a good reason for killing Poisoned Pete.

[Sheriff]

Sure I did. He knew I was wanted in Kansas. He'd been making me pay him cash to keep his mouth shut.

[Lone Ranger]

At least you told the truth about that.

[Sheriff]

You knew.

[Lone Ranger]

I found it out, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You was ready to let me hang for a murder you've done. Now, look out.

[Lone Ranger]

You've said enough, Sheriff. You've been slayed. You can tell her what you like when you go to court. But you said Kilray doesn't want his freedom the way you offer it. He wants to stay in town. I got 10 you'll needed to hire lawyers. You didn't give Kilray a chance to do that.

[Sheriff]

Hold on, Sheriff. This masked hombre can't do nothing. It's his word again. Ours. My thunder, that's. So what are you figuring on using for proof, stranger?

[Lone Ranger]

Nothing but what you said. Your own admission is enough to convict you.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, with an Indian, a masked man and a condemned killer. To tell them all what I said, you'd better take care.

[Lone Ranger]

I tell you, there are other witnesses, huh?

[Sheriff]

Look, coming from the case, you know, Judge Blake, I've heard all I need to hear. The judge and the clerk and, great Scott, half a dozen others. You got your sheriff got a full case again.

[Lone Ranger]

You.

[Sheriff]

You're the man to hang. Get guns on him, boys. We'll take over now, stranger. Stranger?

[Lone Ranger]

That man's no stranger.

[Sheriff]

No, boys. That's the Lone Ranger out the over away.

[Lone Ranger]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day, and thanks for listening.